John heads to Auckland

Stable driver John Dunn heads to Alexandra Park this evening in the first of what is hoped will be successful forays to the north. John has four drives this evening on stable runners.

Travelling foreman Matt Bowden has reported to John that all four of tonight's runners came through the trip north "really well." They have worked well this week and expectations are high, with some nice draws in the main.

John admitted that it is never easy first up the reverse way around, but that the horses had worked that way previously at home with few issues. "It can be quite different when you get onto the track," relayed John, "but hopefully they will all cop it ok."

His thoughts were that whatever they do this evening they will be a lot better for the experience.

The first of the runners tonight is No Doctor Needed in Race 2. He is race hardened and very much in form and does look the one to beat. His main danger does appear to be the Barry Purdon trained Asuka that is drawn inside him in the one barrier.

I've Got This is a trotter with immense potential and raced well on cup day, running a nice second behind an impressive Prince Fearless. He appears to get into Race 7 very well and providing he copes with the track, does look very hard to beat.

Little Rascal had no joy on debut and has definitely copped the visitor's draw in Race 10, drawn wide out in seven. He is well regarded in the stable and if he can get any luck on the night will clearly be tough to beat in the first heat of the Graduation Series.

Miss Daisy produced a very nice third last week at Ashburton. She is a filly on the up and from a favourable draw should get her chance to shine also in heat two of the Graduation Series.